Advocates are warning that families in Alberta may face the risk of losing access to licensed preschool programs if the current child care funding model in the province remains unchanged. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Canadian Early Learning Programs (ACE), a majority of preschool operators in Alberta expressed concerns about potentially shutting down their schools before or during the upcoming school year. The survey’s preliminary findings, though not comprehensive, also revealed that a majority of respondents noted a decline in enrollment.
Krystal Churcher, a Fort McMurray preschool owner and ACE chair, expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the impact on communities that rely on these preschool programs. Many operators have dedicated years to establishing these programs, investing their time and resources to ensure families have access to quality preschool options.
The funding model in question, known as the child care affordability grant, offers full-time and part-time funding to daycare programs at a federal cap of $15 a day for parents, amounting to $326.25 per month for full-time attendance. In contrast, licensed preschools have the flexibility to set their fees without specific restrictions, typically ranging from $160 to $300 per month based on the child’s age and part-time attendance. Parents can receive a discount of up to $100 per month per enrolled child.
This discrepancy in funding has led to a system that favors daycare programs over preschools, as parents are incentivized to choose daycares due to their lower fees. While preschools focus on structured learning to prepare children for school, the lack of demand for preschool programming makes it challenging for them to attract enrollment even if they raise their fees.
Both preschools and daycare programs in Alberta are licensed under the Early Learning and Child Care Act, contributing to the province’s space targets under the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements. Alissa Donaldson, executive director of North Glenora Playschool, expressed concern about the impact of the child care affordability grant on preschools, noting the challenges faced by such programs.
The Alberta Ministry of Education and Childcare acknowledged the significant changes in the child care sector since the implementation of the agreement in 2022. The government stated its commitment to fostering a mixed and flexible system that recognizes the unique roles of different child care providers in supporting children’s development. Plans are underway to negotiate a longer-term agreement with Canada to ensure a sustainable early learning and child care system for Alberta families and providers.
Advocates like Churcher are calling for a level playing field in the child care funding system, suggesting that a simple adjustment in how spaces are recognized under the affordability grant could have a substantial and immediate impact on the industry.